Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 29,895 complaints for MAZDA
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
On [XXX] at 6:15 PM approximately my brakes failed to engage and caused a rear end collision on [XXX] . This accident was caused by my brakes not responding at all when pressed fully to the ground and causing a collision and damage to two vehicles Loss of vehicle usage, property damage, and loss of work, After the collision I received an email from Dodge Fiat Chrysler at 2:01 AM on November 26th 2... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The vehicle will not shut off and vehicle information screen states Shift to park. When this happens we have 2 options. 1st to sit and wait for the vehicle to turn off(takes over an hour on average), 2nd Disconnect the negative battery connection. The vehicle shuts down nearly instantly. Then reconnect the battery before being able to use the vehicle again
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to decelerate. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the gear indicator displayed that the transmission was shifting to different gears continuously. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
On [XXX] I drove my 2013 Ram Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 on a 5mile trip, on a cool sunny 70' day, & parked it -I experienced no issues. I returned after 1.5hrs, started truck, & attempted to leave parking space when the steering wheel seized up. After noticing flashing warning light, I shut off & restarted engine several times, but light remained flashing & steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
WHILE DRIVING THE WRANGLER THE DASH WILL FREEZE GO BLACK AND RESET ITSELF WITHOUT WARING. YOU COULD BE PARKED OR DRIVING AND IT WILL HAPPEN. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE IT NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL FOR THE DASH YET IT IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS STATING IN THE BULLENTIN. IT'S QUITE NERVERACKING AND DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS NOW A... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I’ve only owned this brand new vehicle for just two months. Had I known these issues, I would not have purchased the CX90! Having issue with I-stop causing vehicle to stop whenever and now the dash display just popped up yesterday 12/09/24 regarding “Headlight Malfunction contact dealership”. I contacted the dealership yesterday and was going to be charged for a diagnostic test on a two mont... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I’ve only owned this brand new vehicle for just two months. Had I known these issues, I would not have purchased the CX90! Having issue with I-stop causing vehicle to stop whenever and now the dash display just popped up yesterday 12/09/24 regarding “Headlight Malfunction contact dealership”. I contacted the dealership yesterday and was going to be charged for a diagnostic test on a two mont... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the speedometer failed to operate as intended, and the transmission was stuck in first gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the valve body and connector needed to be replaced, and the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I've taken my vehicle to the dealership and explained what issues I'm having. I was told that the TEC experienced the same issues. When I asked for a loaner car until they make the repairs needed I was told that they don't give loaners out unless I call customer relations which I did and filed a complaint. My complaint was escalated to corporate and the person that was handling my complaint told m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
While deiving in three lanes of traffic in rainy weather. The vehicle began to buck as though the engine was cutting on and off. No warming lights or abnormal noises preceded the event. The vehicle lost traction several times, but recovered. As quickly as it happened it stopped and normal driving resumed. It occurred 2 more times after approximately 1 mile of travel. I was able to limp the v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The turn signal going in either direction has 2 positions. The first is regular on that keeps the turn signal on until it is turned off or until steering wheel is turned off. The other position is the “flick” that flashes the signal 3 times and turns it off on its own. When I set my turn signal to the regular on position to turn right, after I complete my turn the signal turns itself off and g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The contact stated upon inspecting the coolant reservoir, the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact's husband added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred the following day. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. In addition, the contact stated that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that occasionally when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
2017 Q7 owner. "front left side marker light defective" message on my car. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but not all. My car is not included. It is available for inspection. I've taken the car to the dealer and a private auto repair who both diagnosed the problem and the repair cost of $5,000.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and pulling into a parking lot, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red light displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EPS ne... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Received a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL” warning message before the regular oil change interval of 7,500. Light came on 11/20/24 after purchasing the vehicle from a Mazda dealership 8/10/24 (~3 months). Model and VIN were impacted by the Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. This issue was not disclosed by the dealer.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Received a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL” warning message before the regular oil change interval of 7,500. Light came on 11/20/24 after purchasing the vehicle from a Mazda dealership 8/10/24 (~3 months). Model and VIN were impacted by the Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. This issue was not disclosed by the dealer.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
After replacing fuel injectors recently I have no warning lights on but the car has been stalling and pulling. Today on the freeway as I attempted to accelerate from 30 mph my car jerked and pulled 3 times harshly almost causing an accident. Still no warning lights and this has happened multiple times. I have submitted a prior concern and it has not been addressed and the problem only continues an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
My car is leaking into my interior. It has come out of the electrical component areas. I worry it has infiltrated airbags & what could happen if they get wet (go off due to damage or not go off when supposed to). Have taken to dealership 3 times with no resolution
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
My car is leaking into my interior. It has come out of the electrical component areas. I worry it has infiltrated airbags & what could happen if they get wet (go off due to damage or not go off when supposed to). Have taken to dealership 3 times with no resolution
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The motor couldn’t handle the weight of the car and cost me $7000 to replace. That’s almost the cars entire value.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Erratic shifting - Truck will change from 10th gear to 1st gear while driving on road unexpectedly. Also, when pulling on to the highway, the truck will go to neutral losing gear. No warning lights lit and luckily no accident has occurred. Have owned fleet of Ford trucks over 40+ years and this truck is parked for safety reasons. Have Eight (8) Ford trucks, ranging from F150, F250, and F350 curren... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The Engine failed at 63,758 miles. Lancaster KIA in Lancaster, PA indicated the engine has metal shavings everywhere.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Leaving a parking lot and after turning right, the truck failed to accelerate for over 800 feet. Over this distance, the accelerator was pressed all the way to the floor and the truck stayed stuck in 2nd gear, slowly increasing from 2,000 rpm to 2,500 rpm, and from 17mph to 21mph. After this time, the accelerator pedal was pumped, and the truck responded with normal acceleration. This is not th... Read more
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2007) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - fuel system/gas tank - yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - smell of fuel in the car, can't fill up the tank without auto shut off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Without any warning and while driving the MALIBU 2LT goes into engine reduced power mode and will not excel over 50mph. NEXT, the Service stable track warning light would come on intermittently and disable traction control. This is very dangerous. Also the MALIBU 2LT will jerk at the wheel without warning when the power steering warning comes on. Additionally, power steering fluid does not have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Car was operating fine on the way to a game on 11/25/2024. Parked and went inside to watch game. After the game I went to my car and when I cranked it all the warnings below came on. **Auto High Beam problem **ACC problem **Brake System problem **LKAS problem those are the warnings I can remember. I immediately cut the car off and walked around to see if maybe I had been hit while parked cause som... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Car was operating fine on the way to a game on 11/25/2024. Parked and went inside to watch game. After the game I went to my car and when I cranked it all the warnings below came on. **Auto High Beam problem **ACC problem **Brake System problem **LKAS problem those are the warnings I can remember. I immediately cut the car off and walked around to see if maybe I had been hit while parked cause som... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
I started the car to warm it when ambient temperature was approximately 24F. The car revved up then nearly stalled about 3 times then threw a check engine light for a random cylinder misfire and disabled the forward collision warning system. The car has always had issues with nearly dying during cold starts below about 40F but this is the first time it has thrown a code.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR LATCH, SOMETIMES WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES IT SAYS REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR. IT TAKES A FEW TIMES TO OPEN AND CLOSE IT FOR THE LIGHT TO GO OFF.. NOONE'S SAFETY HAS BEEN PUT AT RISK YET DOOR STILL LOCKS BUT COULD BECOME UNSAFE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLES HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER OR INSURANCE OR OTHERS YET. THE DOOR LIGHT COMES ON IF DOOR IS NOT CLOSED PROPERLY AND WILL STAY... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
I was driving and making a left turn at a traffic light when all of a sudden, every light lit up on my dashboard. Then the dashboard turned completely black along with the radio screen. When the dashboard went black, I tried to stop by hitting the brakes to pull over. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor, and I had zero brakes. I was able to coast to a dirt shoulder where the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Steering requiered red light in the dashboard and a lane departure warning
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The low beam lighting on my 2025 Subaru Forester is dangerous. The beam is set so that it is flat on top and too low. When the car dips at all the beam does not allow you see straight ahead. This is very dangerous when you cannot use the high beam as with oncoming traffic. I have taken it to the dealer and they state that the low beam is set according to Subaru specifications. Contact with Subaru... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving approximately 30mph the car lost all accelleration/power and slowed to a stop while still in Drive. First, this put me in an extremely DANGEROUS position in the middle of an extremely busy highway with cars almost hitting me several times. Dashboard displayed numerous flashing error messages. Some that I recall were: Low Tire Pressure TPMS, ABS, BRAKE SYSTEM, Power, and HOLD. I p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
I have noticed for some time in our 2009 Ford Fusion purchased used that the brake travel was longer than it should be. This results in the need to anticipate braking quicker and react faster to allow appropriate time to slow down. In doing some research I discovered a Ford recall 19S54 which was apparently replaced by a Ford CSP 21N11. I made an appointment to have this issue addressed by a Fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The SRS Airbag System Malfunction appears on the instrument cluster and will not go away. it hinders me from seeing my speed and other features on my car; it is annoying as well. The seatbelt dinger goes off constantly and will not stop, It has been long enough for Toyota to come up with a remedy to correct the issue. The issue right now is NHTSA not doing their job and making Toyota do their job ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
I was recently driving on the freeway in the #1 lane when my 2013 F150 began to experience a loss of power. While traveling at 70 mph, I noticed that my transmission had shifted and was stuck in 5th gear. I continued to depress the accelerator with no response. I then felt a sudden jolt from the transmission shifting to a lower gear and continued to travel. There was no warning light indicating th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
When making a right turn, and turning speed, our new cars braking system activated, locked the brakes, and steering wheel, causing the vehicle to slide into oncoming traffic. The cars safety system overrode the driver, now allowing me to maneuver away from on coming traffic until the vehicle came to a complete stop. I believe the reason it did this, is the cars safety system thought it was about t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
While stopped at red lights, stopped in traffic or drive-thru services the vehicle to stall out and must be restarted to drive again. I took the vehicle to the auto repair shop, The KAR Shop in Rogers, AR. The board certified mechanic tried to diagnose the reason for the stall and stop and could not find a reason for the problem. The mechanic informed me of a recall on the make, model and year ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
My vehicle will randomly lose power while driving, lights will flash and then car will just stop and turn off. Try to turn car back on and all these lights are flashing and engine light stays on with codes. Taken my car to performance Honda MULTIPLE of times, paid to get it towed, Honda continues to say they don’t know what’s wrong with it. I’ve recorded videos of my car losing power and giv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
My vehicle will randomly lose power while driving, lights will flash and then car will just stop and turn off. Try to turn car back on and all these lights are flashing and engine light stays on with codes. Taken my car to performance Honda MULTIPLE of times, paid to get it towed, Honda continues to say they don’t know what’s wrong with it. I’ve recorded videos of my car losing power and giv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
When driving the rpm will be high but the car will not pick up speed. Many many times I’ve had to quickly put my hazards on when merging onto freeways or busy streets.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
I was in a school line waiting for my children. I went to hit the gas to move and the car said “maintenance required” and then flashed other warning lights “low power steering fluid and engine light.” Then the car turned off and screens were flashing. I tried to restart the car but the steering column was locked and brake pedal was locked. I checked all fluids and they were full. I had som... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the speaker system was broadcasting abnormal and extremely loud white noise and static popping. The contact stated that the abnormal sound was so loud that even conversational speech was not heard above the abnormal static. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and occurred at various spe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Latched and locked baggage storage doors pop open while in transit exposing content to falling out. Both passenger and driver sides have exhibited this behavior. It did it on the first trip after purchase, and was addressed by dealer but continued to occur. Was again checked by manufacturer two years later, latches adjusted, continued to occur. I ended up using packing tape on the doors to help se... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
I have emailed the support department several times, but I have received automated messages with no answers. This list was sent to Fisker within three months of owning the vehicle. *1. Our vehicle powered off on its own as I was about to leave my house, and then the battery light on the dash came on. This happened two times! 2. I have replaced the key fob's battery 10 times since we acquired the ... Read more